A former member of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Malam Salihu Lukman, has resigned from the governing party.
His disengagement from the party was contained in a statement he issued in Abuja on Wednesday, June 12, titled: “APC and The Future of Nigerian Democracy: Letter to Selected APC Leaders.”
The former national vice chairman (North West) hinged his decision on the lack of internal democracy and the inability of the leadership of the party to allow the much needed reforms within the party.
The former Director General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) in the statement, however, failed to disclose his next destination but said he has gone back to the trenches with other political leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said: “Given all this, it is possible to remain in APC if at all President Tinubu will allow internal reform in the party to return it to its founding vision, which as it is, is very remote. But my reality now in the party is that my membership has been rendered useless and there is no need for me to continue to impose myself.
“I have therefore gone back to the trenches and will try to work with all committed Nigerians who agree and subscribe to the goal of actively campaigning for the survival and development of democracy in Nigeria.
“We must grow our democracy to the point whereby elected representatives at all levels are accountable to the party and it is possible for Nigerians represented by various interests to develop strong relationship with political parties and elected governments based on which policies of governments can be made to reflect wider interests of Nigerians.
“I am confident that a strong democracy with functional political parties is possible in Nigeria. I am also confident that, in our lifetime, we can produce governments that are truly capable of making the lives of Nigerians better. I don’t expect party leaders to agree with my decision. I believe that eventually, we will be united by all party leaders and other Nigerians who are committed to developing Nigerian democracy.”
